🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Drinks
Homemade Ginger Wine
By eatmundo · July 8, 2026
🇬🇧 UKA comforting, spicy, and warming traditional British drink, perfect for chilly evenings. This homemade ginger wine recipe yields a potent, aromatic beverage that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a mixer. It's a true taste of old England.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
In a large, clean saucepan, combine 2 litres of water with 200g of thinly sliced fresh ginger, 50g of raisins, the zest and juice of 2 lemons, and the zest and juice of 1 orange. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- 2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld beautifully and the ginger to infuse the liquid deeply, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
- 3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 500g of granulated sugar until it has completely dissolved. Ensure there are no sugar crystals remaining, as they can interfere with fermentation.
- 4
Allow the mixture to cool down to lukewarm, specifically between 20-25°C (68-77°F). This temperature is crucial for the yeast to activate effectively without being killed by excessive heat.
- 5
Once lukewarm, stir in 1 teaspoon of wine yeast (or dried active yeast). Cover the saucepan loosely with a clean cloth and leave it in a warm place for 3-5 days to ferment. You should see small bubbles forming on the surface, indicating fermentation.
- 6
After fermentation, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or muslin cloth into a clean, sterilised bottle, removing all the solids. If you wish to fortify it, now is the time to stir in 100ml of brandy.
- 7
Seal the bottle tightly and store your homemade ginger wine in a cool, dark place. For the best flavour, allow it to mature for at least 2-3 weeks, or even up to 2 months, to deepen its complex character. Serve it chilled or gently warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of yeast should I use for ginger wine?+
Wine yeast is ideal for its tolerance to alcohol and clean fermentation, but active dried bread yeast can also be used if wine yeast is unavailable, though it may impart a slightly different flavour.
How do I know if my ginger wine is fermenting properly?+
You'll see small bubbles rising to the surface, and possibly a thin layer of foam. This indicates the yeast is active and converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?+
Yes, to make it non-alcoholic, omit the yeast and brandy. Instead, simply boil the mixture, dissolve the sugar, strain, and then chill. It will be a delicious ginger cordial.
How long does homemade ginger wine last?+
When stored in sterilised, tightly sealed bottles in a cool, dark place, homemade ginger wine can last for several months, even up to a year, with its flavour deepening over time.
🇬🇧 UKMundo Match
Dishes across the world that share Homemade Ginger Wine's core ingredients.
